Physical mode of action pesticide

ABSTRACT

A physical mode of action pesticide for application on plants and in soils, and methods of manufacture and application, comprising an active ingredient in the form of a polymer in a concentration of less than 0.1% wt., a surfactant, a co-solvent and a diluent in a hydrocolloid suspension. The suspension polymer is preferably a polysaccharide having a molecular weight of 10,000 to 25,000,000, and preferably in the range of about 600,000. The pesticide preferably also includes a targeting ingredient for directing the active ingredient to a particular target.

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/463,955, filed Jun. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.7,579,017.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pesticide with a physical mode ofaction, containing a low concentration of active ingredient, for use onagricultural plants and soils, which is safer for the environment andhumans than traditional pesticides.

2. Description of the Related Art

Insect and fungus induced spoilage of agricultural commodities, such asfruits and vegetables, has been estimated to result in losses ofapproximately 30% of crops in the United States and up to 50% of cropsworldwide.

Agricultural crop losses are primarily caused by insect pest damage andplant diseases. Examples of major crop pests include whiteflies (e.g.Bemesia tabaci), mites, aphids and caterpillars that damage cropsthrough direct feeding in fruit and foliage. Insects may also act asvectors of bacterial or viral plant diseases where controlling theinsect vector is the only means of preventing infection. Thus, effectiveagricultural practices to control insect pests and diseases areessential to prevent excessive crop losses.

Conventional agricultural chemical pesticides to control insects andfunguses are commonly formulated as solid compositions such aswater-dispersible, granular compositions and wettable powdercompositions. Conventional solid compositions comprise an activecompound, a mineral carrier, and a wetting agent and/or a dispersingagent (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,682; U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,749; U.S.Pat. No. 4,804,399). Pesticide active ingredients are also delivered insolid carriers such as kaolin, chalk, limestone, sodium and potassiumalumina silicates, corn meals, sawdust, cellulose powder, activatedcharcoal and the like. However, such compositions often leave toxicresidues which may have an extended impact on humans and theenvironment.

Hydrocolloids have been used as a delivery system for conventionalpesticide active ingredients and are well known in the art. For example,Rascher et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,749, describes an organophosphateester active ingredient delivered in a hydrocolloid agent and silicatecomplex.

Strains of chemical pesticide tolerant insects are increasing atalarming rates, rendering chemical treatments less effective or totallyineffective for agricultural purposes. For this reason, multiple activeingredients are sometimes used simultaneously to improve control ofpesticide resistant pest populations. However, this practice oftenresults in a similar decrease in the effectiveness as resistance canalso develop rapidly in the pest population against multiple activeingredient pesticides.

Other problems with the use of chemical pesticides are many, includingacute and chronic mammalian toxicity, carcinogenicity and other effectson humans and animals that come into contact with them. Moreover, humanswho consume produce treated with conventional pesticides and those whoare exposed to the environmental conditions they leave behind are atrisk. At a time when conventional pesticide use is being restrictedand/or eliminated, there is clearly an urgent need to develop newmethods of controlling pests, including insects and funguses, thatdestroy agricultural commodities, which are safer to humans,environmentally benign and effective.

In response to this need, pesticides directed to a physical mode ofaction rather than a chemical kill have been pursued. However, priorphysical kill pesticides have been used with mixed success. Their use ofingredients in high concentrations leads to various problems such asclogging of spray equipment, uneven and problematic application andreduced efficiency of application machinery. Significantly, the use ofexisting physical kill pesticides has also been associated with cropdamage from the high concentrations of the physical control activeingredients used in these compositions.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a pesticide to effectivelycontrol insects and funguses that cause loss of agriculturalcommodities, such as fruits, vegetables, fiber and flowers. There is afurther need for pesticides that are safer for workers, consumers andthe environment and can be delivered efficiently and effectively in anaqueous form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pesticide for application on plantsor soils, delivering a physical mode of action kill that is effective atlow concentrations of the active ingredient. The present inventionfurther includes methods for the manufacture and application of such apesticide. More particularly, the present invention is directed to apesticide for delivering a physical mode of action kill, comprising apolymer active ingredient in a concentration of less than 0.10 wt. %, asurfactant, a co-solvent and a diluent, wherein the polymer is in theform of micelles in a colloid suspension.

The composition of the invention comprises a polymer in lowconcentrations, as the active ingredient, capable of being formed into ahydrocolloid suspension. The preferred polymers contemplated for use inthe present invention are long chain polysaccharides, considered asthose having 10 or more monosaccharide units and a molecular weight inthe range of about 10,000 to about 25,000,000 and most preferably in therange of about 600,000. Further, the use of various blends ofpolysaccharides, for example, alginate and starch may be desirable.

However, the invention is not limited to the use of one particular typeof polymer or polysaccharide active ingredient, and may include the useof other compounds, with a particle size in the range of 1-100 nm(nanometers). Examples of other compounds include enzymes; amino acids;polypeptides; proteins; or other large molecules and particles, whichmay be included for various purposes described below.

The hydrocolloid suspension is comprised of dispersions of polymerparticles that form discrete units or micelles (e.g. shell-likestructure) intimately distributed within the molecules of a diluent. Thecolloidal suspension is preferably formed with an aqueous diluent,preferably water. The preferred hydrocolloid distribution consists ofpolysaccharide micelles smaller than 1.0 um (micron) that are suspendedby Brownian motion in solution.

The micelles of the hydrocolloid suspension are molecular aggregates ofpolymer particles, preferably polysaccharide particles, and tend tobecome charged by adsorption of ions from the diluent, or by ionizationof functional groups on the surface of the polymers.

The hydrocolloid suspension also preferably contains co-solvents and asurfactant. Preferably, at least one co-solvent, a surfactant andoptionally a color additive are used with the polymer in the diluent toform a low toxicity, physical kill mode of action pesticide, whicheffectively controls insects and funguses found on plants and in thesoil.

The surfactant in the aqueous solution of the hydrocolloid suspensionacts as an interfacial stabilizer between the surfaces of thepolysaccharide micelles and molecules of the diluent. The surfactant'seffect on the surfaces of the hydrocolloid molecules and particlesenhances the distribution of the low concentration of active ingredientthroughout the hydrocolloid suspension.

Additionally, the surfactant decreases the surface tension present onthe plant surface and the insect cuticle. This effect enhances spraycoverage on the leaf surface in spite of the hydrophobic nature of theleaf and insect exoskeleton.

Without limiting the invention, it is believed that once thehydrocolloid suspension is applied, the micelles of active ingredientbegin to attach themselves in large numbers to the plant and insectcuticle. As the suspension begins to evaporate, a compressed layer ofpolymer is left behind, effectively blocking the trachea, spiracles andtranspiration across the remainder of the insect cuticle. The insectdies within a few hours and desiccation makes the effect readilyapparent within a day or two.

Moreover, the polymer active ingredient can be positively, negatively orneutrally charged with a targeting ingredient, that may also includereceptor specific compounds that work at the molecular level to performspecific tasks. In particular, the hydrocolloid suspension can beprogrammed for attraction or deterrence to specific plants, insects orfungi, or for enhanced penetration of surrounding plant soil.

The targeting ingredient added to the composition is preferably one ormore elements and/or compounds which provide an affinity to a particulartarget of the active ingredient. In one example, the targetingingredient can be positively or negatively charged, depending on whatthe target is, and lends its charge to the micelles of thepolysaccharide active ingredient. In this example, the targetingingredient programs the active ingredient to selectively adhere tooppositely charged targets, between the plant and insect.

The use of a targeting ingredient thereby increases the effectivenessand decreases the amount of the active ingredient necessary to performits insecticidal/fungicidal activity. As such, in the above example, asignificant negative ionic charge attached to the polysaccharidemicelles with a targeting ingredient, such as potassium phosphate,promotes greater attraction of micelles to the insect cuticle relativeto the leaf surface, thereby increasing the amount of active ingredienton and around the insect. Conversely, reducing the negative charge tendsto promote greater attraction to the leaf surface, useful when thepesticide functions as a fungicide.

The use of deionized water as the diluent for the colloid suspension isespecially preferred when an ionic compound is used as the targetingingredient. In this regard, the deionized water enhances theeffectiveness of the ionically active hydrocolloid suspension.

The targeting ingredient is not limited to positively and negativelycharged ionic components, and contemplates the use of various elementsand/or compounds that interact with receptor sites found on plant andinsect surfaces. When attached to the polymer or polysaccharide activeingredient, the receptor specific targeting ingredient attaches tospecific receptor sites located in or around the insect cuticle. Assuch, the active ingredient may be effectively deposited in a designatedarea, effectively blocking the trachea, spiracles and transpirationacross the remainder of the insect cuticle.

The receptor specific targeting ingredient can be of such a nature as toselectively attach to receptors located on insects, funguses or plantsor a combination thereof, if so desired. In particular, the presentlyclaimed insecticide may be programmed to selectively attach to specificinsects, plants or funguses through the use of targeting ingredientshaving various ionic properties, receptor interactions and/or bindingcapabilities.

In this regard, the invention includes surface-introduction of nanometersized features such as ionic charges and receptor site bindingcompounds, and methods for the controlled derivation of the activeingredient in contact with insects, plants and other biologicalmacromolecules. Contemplated is the optimal binding of targetingingredients to functional biomolecules while minimizing non-specificadsorption in areas of unimportance.

Thus, the preferred embodiment of the present invention involves themanipulation of hydrocolloidal particles through the use of targetingingredients to interact with model substrates for surface modification.It aims at analytical techniques for accurate assessment in thetargeting of colloid suspension polymer particles by means of positive,negative or neutral charges and/or receptor site specific association ofthe colloidal suspension for its use as a physical-kill pesticide.

The invention also functions in its intended manner when introduced intothe surroundings plant soil. Specifically, the composition can be usednot only for its pesticide function but also to enhance plant growth andproduction by improving soil conditions, providing nutrient sources anddecreasing fungus and insect infestations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are included for illustration of the presentinvention without limiting the invention in any manner whatsoever,wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a general representation of anionic high molecular weightpolysaccharide chains in colloidal micelles.

FIG. 2 depicts an enlarged area of a treated plant leaf showing spraydroplets surrounding and enveloping a whitefly nymph.

FIG. 3 depicts an insect enveloped by a compressed layer ofpolysaccharide gum after evaporation of the hydrocolloid suspension.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is directed to a pesticide for delivering aphysical mode of action kill comprising a polymer active ingredient in aconcentration of less than 0.10 wt. %, a surfactant, a co-solvent, and adiluent, wherein the polymer is in the form of micelles in a colloidsuspension. In this regard, the polymer can be any polymer that can beformed into a colloid suspension and works as an active ingredient inthe physical mode of operation killing of insects and funguses.

The preferred embodiment comprises an active, low toxicity,biodegradable, environmentally and mammalian safe insecticidal andfungicidal hydrocolloid suspension which can be sprayed safely on allagricultural plants and soils. The pesticide of the preferred embodimentcomprises a very low concentration of high molecular weightpolysaccharide, a surfactant, a co-solvent, a diluent, and preferably atargeting ingredient, that may be ionically charged or receptor sitespecific, in a hydrocolloid suspension.

The term long chain or high molecular weight polysaccharide as used inthe specification and claims is defined as a carbohydrate containing 10or more monosaccharide units linked together, having a molecular weightof about 10,000 to 25,000,000, and a particle size less than 1 micron.

Polysaccharides suitable for use in the present invention include, butare not limited to, xanthan gum, alginate gum, alginic acid, propyleneglycol alginate, starches such as corn starch, potato starch, ricestarch, tapioca starch and wheat starch; modified starches such asdextrins; genetically modified starches such as corn starches comprising100% amylopectin, or a mixture of amylopectin and amylose (such as 50%amylopectin and 50% amylose or 30% amylopectin and 70% amylose);glycogen; agar; pectin; carrageenan; and natural gums such as arabicgum, guar gum, karaya gum and tragacanth gum; and mixtures thereof.

The preferred polysaccharides of this invention comprise high molecularweight polysaccharides such as xanthan gum and alginate gum. The mostpreferred high molecular weight polysaccharides of the present inventionare xanthan gum and alginate having a molecular weight of about 10,000to 600,000.

It is anticipated that the pesticide will be formed as a concentrate,which is then diluted for application by 1:50 to 1:1000, and preferably,1:100 to 1:300. Surprisingly, and not previously demonstrated, it hasbeen found that very low concentrations, in the range of about 0.00001to 1.0 wt. %, of the high molecular weight polysaccharides in ahydrocolloid suspension, with a targeting component and a diluent, areeffective physical kill insecticides and fungicides. The preferredconcentration of the high molecular weight polysaccharides in thediluent is in the range of about 0.001 to 0.09 weight %, with the mostpreferred concentration of the high molecular weight polysaccharidesbeing in the range of about 0.06 weight %.

The preferred polysaccharide micelles are smaller than 1.0 um (micron),and are suspended in the aqueous solution by Brownian motion. Thehydrocolloidal properties maintain a homogeneous distribution of thepolysaccharide that does not settle out over time.

Targeting ingredients as used in the specification and claims aredefined as elements and/or compounds capable of mixing with or combiningwith the polysaccharide hydrocolloid micelles to provide an affinity toa particular target. As such, the targeting ingredients provide for aselective delivery system.

As currently contemplated, without limitation, targeting ingredients maybe ionic or non-ionic salts, esters, amino acids, peptides, proteins andother natural or synthetic compounds that can direct or manipulate thepolysaccharides as desired. Although any suitable ionically chargedtargeting ingredient can be used, the most preferred ionically chargedtargeting ingredient is potassium phosphate, with monopotassiumphosphate or potassium dihydrogen phosphate being most preferred, foruse with the preferred high molecular weight polysaccharide activeingredient.

In the most preferred embodiment, the preferred ionic monopotassiumphosphate or potassium dihydrogen phosphate and high molecular weightpolysaccharide are combined in ratios of about 30:1 to 5:1, preferablyabout 25:1 to 10:1 and more preferably about 15:1, to form ionicallycharged micelles. It is believed, without limitation, that the aqueousdispersions of micelles attach to the bodies of the insects in largenumbers, enhanced by the ionic charge on the polysaccharide micelles.Upon evaporation, a compressed layer of polysaccharide envelops theorganism causing its desiccation and death.

The surfactant is used in the formula to promote distribution of thehydrocolloid suspension, and decrease the surface tension present onboth the leaf surface and the insect cuticle. The surfactant actionmaximizes spray coverage on the leaf surface in spite of the hydrophobicnature of the leaf and insect exoskeleton. Further, when ionicallycharged, the high molecular weight polysaccharide micelles have agreater attraction to the insect exoskeleton rather than the leafsurface. This attraction causes the active ingredients to gather aroundand adhere to the insect body, enhancing effectiveness.

Surfactants suitable for use in the present invention may compriseconventional surfactants such as anionic and nonionic surfactants.Preferred are anionic surfactants such as salts of fatty acids, alkylsulphates, alkyl ether sulphonates and alkyl aryl sulphonates.

Examples of more preferable surfactants include polyoxyethelenedodecylphenol, sodium laurel sulfate, ethoxylated phenols, dodecylphenolethoxylate, alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, sodium olefin sulfonate, sodiumlaurel ethoxy sulphate, linear alcohol exthoxylate such as laurylalcohol ethoxylate, alkane sulphonate and alkyl sulphonic acid. The mostpreferred surfactants are polyoxyethelene dodecylphenol anddodecylphenol ethoxylate.

When the given components cannot be formed into a miscible composition,a co-solvent may be used to provide a miscible composition. Thepreferred co-solvent is generally a glycol or an ester of a straight orbranched-chain alcohol. For instance, glycol ether may be added as aco-solvent in an amount effective to solubilize the components of themixture.

Non-limiting examples of representative classes of such otherco-solvents include hydrocarbons, ethers, phenols, glycols, lactones,chlorinated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons nitrated hydrocarbons,dibasic esters, mono-esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate,ethyl-3-ethoxy-propionate, propylene glycol propanediol, propyleneglycol butyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate andtetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. The most preferred co-solvents are propyleneglycol (propanediol) and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.

The amount of co-solvents used may vary depending on the specificcomposition of interest, as one of skill in the art may appreciate. Theparticular type and amount of co-solvent which will afford a misciblecomposition may be identified by routine experimentation.

The non-toxic aqueous insecticide may also contain various additivessuch as antioxidants, preservatives, coloring agents, pH neutralizersand/or clarifiers, such as those generally known in the art.

Examples of suitable antioxidants are hexamethylene tetramine,tetramethyl thiuram monosulfide, paratoluidine, phenyl betanaphthylamine and triethyl trimethyl triamine, ammonium nitrate andsodium nitrate and synthetic and natural resins such as wood rosin andphenol formaldehyde.

Some examples of suitable preservatives are sodium silicate, sodiumdehydroacetate and sodium benzoate, bromo-nitro propane diods such as2-bromopropane 1,3-diol, 3-iodo-2-propylbutyl carbamate; andbenzothiazolin-2-one, which may be added as a preservative to inhibitmicroorganism growth and may be incorporated during formation of thecomposition of this invention.

Examples of some preferred buffering agents, when used, includepotassium hydroxide, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate dibasic,and diammonium phosphate.

Additionally, examples of a neutralizer and a coloring agent which havebeen found to be suitable, without limitation, are potassium hydroxideand caramel color, respectively.

The balance of the non-toxic pesticide is a diluent, comprising one ormore diluents. Due to the ionic nature of the active ingredient, it ispreferred that deionized water be used as the diluent for the presentpesticide.

In use, the non-toxic aqueous pesticide dilution is sprayed or misted onthe plant or soil, to directly contact the surface of the target pests.When so applied, the low toxicity aqueous pesticide is effective incontrolling various plant pests and pathogens, including, but notlimited to, fungi, whiteflies, mites, aphides and the like. Since themechanism of insect and mite control with the presently claimedinvention is by suffocation and/or repellency of male and of egg layingfemales, there is no requirement for the addition of toxic chemicals. Assuch, the instant invention provides a virtually non-toxic alternativeto broad spectrum insecticides. In some cases, repeated applications maybe required.

In the preferred embodiment, stable colloid suspension pesticidespreferably comprise on a weight to weight basis about 0.5% to 2.0% ofpotassium dihydrogen phosphate or potassium monophosphate compounds or asimilar ionically charged compounds; about 40% to 65% of deionizedwater; about 20% to 40% of a surfactant; about 10% to 25% of aco-solvent; about 0.0001% to 0.1% of an anionic high molecular weightpolysaccharide; 0.01% to about 1.0% of a neutralizing agent; andoptionally, about 0% to 0.08% of a coloring agent.

The more preferred colloid suspension pesticides of this inventionpreferably comprise on a weight to weight basis about 0.9% to 1.1% ofpotassium dihydrogen phosphate or potassium monophosphate compounds;about 47% to 58% of deionized water; about 27% to 33% of a surfactant;about 15% to 20% of a co-solvent; about 0.001% to 0.1% of an anionichigh molecular weight polysaccharide; 0.01% to about 0.5% of aneutralizing agent; and optionally about 0% to 0.04% of a coloringagent.

In order to facilitate a further understanding of this invention, thefollowing examples are presented primarily for the purpose ofillustrating more specific details thereof. The invention should not bedeemed limited thereby, except as defined in the appended claims.

Example 1 Ingredients

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (83.7 lbs., 0.98 wt. %) AshlandDistribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio; deionizedwater (4404 lbs., 51.95 wt. %); polyoxyethelene dodecylphenol (2595.5lbs., 30.4 wt. %) as T-DET DD7, Harcros Organics, Kansas City, Kans.;tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (1314.8 lbs., 15.4 wt. %), THFA manufacturedby Ashland Distribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio;propylene glycol propanediol (117.0 lbs., 1.37 wt. %) manufactured byAshland Distribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio;xanthan gum (5.1 lbs., 0.06 wt. %) Keltrol®, C. P. Kelco, San DiegoCalif.; potassium hydroxide (caustic potash, 13.7 lbs., 0.16 wt. %),Ashland Distribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohiocaramel color (3.4 lbs., 0.04 wt. %), D. D. Williamson & Co. Inc.,Columbus Ohio.

Potassium Phosphate Premix:

Add one half of the total water (deionized water, total is 4404.7 lbs.,51.6 wt. %) to a mixing tank, and while the agitation and recirculationis on, add potassium phosphate (potassium dihydrogen phosphate total is83.7 lbs., 0.98 wt. %, manufactured by Ashland Distribution & ChemicalGroup, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio). Once the potassium phosphate isdissolved, a sample is removed and analyzed. If sample passes analysis,this batch of premix is ready for production.

Xanthan Gum Premix:

The remaining water (one half total) is place in a separate tank. Thexanthan gum (total of 5.1 lbs., 0.06 wt. %, Keltrol®, C. P. Kelco, SanDiego Calif.) is sprinkled into the propylene glycol (propylene glycolpropanediol, total of 117.0 lbs., 1.37 wt. %, manufactured by AshlandDistribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio), once mixedit is immediately added to the water to prevent gelling. Next, themixture is gently stirred with a paddle and not a propeller to avoidencapsulating air and making bubbles in the mixture, which are difficultto remove.

The mixture is then left to sit for approximately 6 to 24 hours beforeuse.

Formula Mix:

The polyoxyethelene dodecylphenol (total of 2595.5 lbs., 30.4 wt. %) asT-DET DD7, Harcros Organics, Kansas City, Kans.) is warmed to roomtemperature to ensure the material is completely liquefied. Only fulldrums of the T-DET DD7, never partial drums, are to be used. In a cleantank, the potassium phosphate premix and warm xanthan premix are addedand mixed until solution is uniform. In a separate tank, add thetetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (total of 1314.8 lbs., 15.4 wt. %, THFAmanufactured by Ashland Distribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc.,Columbus, Ohio) co-solvent followed by warm polyoxyethelenedodecylphenol (total of 2595.5 lbs., 30.4 wt. %, T-DET DD7, HarcrosOrganics, Kansas City, Kans.), and mix until uniform. The solution ispumped slowly into the tank containing the potassium phosphate andxanthan gum premixes. Using a diaphragm pump and paddle agitation only,once the mix is uniform, a sample for analysis is taken. Ensure thetemperature of the solution and the solutions clarity is monitoredfollowing the quality assurance guidelines. Of particular note, if themixing of solutions is too rapid or improper the entire mix may turninto gel. Also, a very stable foam can also be created upon rapid mixingof the solutions.

After 4 to 8 hours, add sufficient potassium hydroxide (caustic potash,13.7 lbs., 0.16 wt. %, Ashland Distribution & Chemical Group, AshlandInc., Columbus, Ohio) to raise the PH of the solution to 7.0. Addcaramel coloring (total of 3.4 lbs., 0.04 wt. %, D. D. Williamson & Co.Inc., Columbus Ohio), and paddle agitate the solution until uniform.

Example 2 Ingredients

Propylene glycol alginate (0.078 wt. %, Kelcoloid HVF®, manufactured byTSP Alginates); deionized water (51.59 wt. %, manufactured by Acropure);dodecylphenol ethoxylate (30.40 wt. %, T-DET DD7, manufactured byHarcros Organics); tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (15.40 wt. %, THFAmanufactured by Ashland Distribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc.,Columbus, Ohio); propylene glycol propanediol (1.37 wt. %, manufacturedby Ashland Distribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus,Ohio.); potassium phosphate (0.98 wt. %, Europhos MKP FG®, AshlandDistribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio); potassiumhydroxide (caustic potash, 0.083 wt. %, Ashland Distribution & ChemicalGroup, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio); caramel color (0.04 wt. %, D. D.Williamson & Co. Inc., Columbus Ohio.); xanthan gum (0.01 wt. %,Keltrol®, C. P. Kelco, San Diego Calif.).

Potassium Phosphate Premix:

Add one half of the total deionized water, 51.59 wt. %. to a mixingtank, and while the agitation and recirculation is on add potassiumphosphate, 0.98 wt. %., Europhos MKP FG®, Ashland Distribution &Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio. Once the potassiumphosphate is dissolved, a sample is removed and analyzed. If samplepasses analysis, this batch of premix is ready for production.

Xanthan Gum and Propylene Glycol Alginate Premix:

The remaining water (one half total) is place in a separate tank. Thexanthan gum, 0.01 wt. %, Ketrol®, C. P. Kelco, San Diego Calif., ismixed with the propylene glycol alginate 0.078 wt. %, Kelcoloid HVF® andsprinkled into the propylene glycol propanediol, 1.37 wt. %,manufactured by Ashland Distribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc.,Columbus, Ohio, once mixed it is immediately added to the water toprevent gelling. Next, the mixture is gently stirred with a paddle andnot a propeller to avoid encapsulating air and making bubbles in themixture, which are difficult to remove.

The mixture is then left to sit for approximately 6 to 24 hours beforeuse.

Formula Mix:

The dodecylphenol ethoxylate, 30.40 wt. %) as T-DET DD7, HarcrosOrganics, Kansas City, Kans. is warmed to room temperature to ensure thematerial is completely liquefied. In a clean tank, the potassiumphosphate premix and warm xanthan/propylene glycol alginate premix areadded and mixed until solution is uniform. In a separate tank, add thetetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, 15.40 wt. %, THFA manufactured by AshlandDistribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus, Ohio, and mixuntil uniform. The solution is pumped slowly into the tank containingthe potassium phosphate and xanthan/propylene glycol alginate gumpremixes. Using a diaphragm pump and paddle agitation only, once the mixis uniform, a sample for analysis is taken. Ensure the temperature ofthe solution and the solutions clarity is monitored following thequality assurance guidelines. Of particular note, if the mixing ofsolutions is too rapid or improper the entire mix may turn into gel.Also, a very stable foam can also be created upon rapid mixing of thesolutions. After 4 to 8 hours, add sufficient potassium hydroxide, 0.083wt. %, Ashland Distribution & Chemical Group, Ashland Inc., Columbus,Ohio, to raise the PH of the solution to 7.0. Add caramel coloring, 0.04wt. %, D. D. Williamson & Co. Inc., Columbus Ohio, and paddle agitatethe solution until uniform.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements, and arrangement of elements which areexemplified, without limitation, herein. The scope of the invention willbe limited solely by the appended. All patents cited are herebyincorporated by reference.

1. A mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesticide for delivering a physicalmode of action kill comprising: (a) a mammalian safe, low-toxicityactive ingredient comprising a polysaccharide selected from the groupconsisting of xanthan gum, alginate gum, alginic acid, propylene glycolalginate, starches, dextrins, corn starches comprising 100% amylopectin,corn starches comprising a mixture of amylopectin and amylose, glycogen,agar, pectin, carrageenan, other natural gums and combinations thereof,said active ingredient being present in a concentration of from about0.10 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. % based on the total weight of saidpesticide; (b) about 20 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of a mammalian safe,low-toxicity surfactant selected from the group consisting of salts offatty acids, alkyl sulphates, alkyl ether sulphonates, alkyl arylsulphonates and combinations thereof; (c) about 10 wt. % to about 25 wt.% of a mammalian safe, low-toxicity co-solvent selected from the groupconsisting of glycols, esters of straight-chain alcohols, esters ofbranched-chain alcohols, hydrocarbons, ethers, phenols, glycols,lactones, nitrated hydrocarbons, dibasic esters, ethyl acetate, butylacetate, ethyl-3-ethoxy-propionate, propylene glycol propanediol,propylene glycol butyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl etheracetate, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and combinations thereof; (d) about40 wt. % to about 65 wt. % of a diluent comprising water; and (e) about0.5 wt. % to about 2.0 wt. % of a mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesttargeting ingredient selected from the group consisting of ionic salts,non-ionic salts, esters, amino acids, peptides, proteins andcombinations thereof, said pest targeting ingredient being able toincrease the effectiveness of said active ingredient; (f) optionallyabout 0 wt. % to about 0.08 wt. % of a mammalian safe, low toxicitycoloring agent; and (g) optionally about 0.01 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %of a mammalian safe, low-toxicity buffering agent selected from thegroup consisting of potassium hydroxide, ammonium bicarbonate, ammoniumphosphate dibasic, diammonium phosphate and combinations thereof;wherein said polysaccharide is in the form of a micelle in a colloidsuspension and is present in an amount sufficient to cause a physicalmode of action kill in insects, wherein said wt. % is based on the totalweight of said pesticide; with the proviso that no other pesticidallyactive ingredient is present in the pesticide.
 2. The mammalian safe,low-toxicity pesticide of claim 1 wherein the mammalian safe,low-toxicity pest targeting ingredient is potassium phosphate.
 3. Themammalian safe, low-toxicity pesticide of claim 2 wherein the mammaliansafe, low-toxicity pest targeting ingredient is selected from the groupconsisting of monopotassium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphateand combinations thereof.
 4. The mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesticideof claim 3 wherein the ratio of mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesttargeting ingredient to polysaccharide is from about 30:1 to about 5:1.5. The mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesticide of claim 3 wherein theratio of mammalian safe, low-toxicity pest targeting ingredient topolysaccharide is from about 25:1 to about 10:1.
 6. The mammalian safe,low-toxicity pesticide of claim 3 wherein the ratio of mammalian safe,low-toxicity pest targeting ingredient to polysaccharide is about 15:1.7. The mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesticide of claim 1 wherein themammalian safe, low-toxicity co-solvent is selected from the groupconsisting of propylene glycol propanediol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcoholand combinations thereof.
 8. The mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesticideof claim 1 wherein the mammalian safe, low-toxicity starch is selectedfrom the group consisting of corn starch, potato starch, rice starch,tapioca starch, wheat starch and combinations thereof.
 9. The mammaliansafe, low-toxicity pesticide of claim 1 wherein the mammalian safe,low-toxicity surfactant is selected from the group consisting ofpolyoxyythelene dodecylphenol, sodium lauryl sulfate, ethoxylatedphenols, dodecylphenol ethoxylate, alkyl benzene sulfonic acid, sodiumolefin sulfonate, sodium lauryl ethoxy sulphate, linear alcoholethoxylate, alkane sulphonate, alkyl sulphonic acid and combinationsthereof.
 10. The mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesticide of claim 1wherein the mammalian safe, low-toxicity coloring agent, when present,is caramel color.
 11. The mammalian safe, low-toxicity pesticide ofclaim 1 wherein the diluent is deionized water.